San Diego’s Little Italy is the largest in the world, spanning 48 blocks of its downtown.
Once home to the city’s tuna fishing community, the neighborhood now buzzes with trattorias, gelaterias, and lively public art celebrating its roots.Visitors can stroll pedestrian-friendly streets, enjoy cappuccinos by the piazza, and soak up the charm of this vibrant Mediterranean-inspired enclave.
While many might think of San Diego as a surfside paradise, there’s much more to America’s Finest City than simply relaxing on the sand. There are quite a few neighborhoods and districts here, each with its own unique blend of culture and flavor—and one of its most memorable hotspots is Little Italy.
San Diego’s Little Italy is the largest in the U.S, and developed in the early 20th century thanks to the city’s balmy climate and the then-flourishing tuna industry, both of which enticed Italian immigrants to move there. As tuna fishing lost its prevalence over the decades, the community waned until the 1990s, when a concerted local effort revived Little Italy as we know it today.
Little Italy now comprises 48 square blocks of downtown San Diego. It’s one of the city’s most lively quarters, bustling with shops, restaurants, and a weekly mercato, all of which have a decidedly Italianate flair.
“One of the key things that we like to celebrate here in Little Italy is the history and culture of our community,” says Christopher Gomez, chief executive administrator for the Little Italy Association. “There are still vibrant Italian businesses here that come from the people who helped settle and develop Little Italy. So, you’re stepping into a flashback of the past through our public art and spaces, but you also get to enjoy the urban development and business community.”
That community becomes especially animated during the Christmas season. Between twinkling light displays, a Christmas Village, and San Diego’s famously mild weather, you might just feel like you’ve been whisked away to the Mediterranean for the holidays—minus the crowds. “We do see a slowdown in the community during the holiday season,” he says. “So, if you want to come and not be bogged down with a lot of other tourists, that’s a good time. You do get to enjoy the festivities and the community, and see a lot more of the family side of San Diego.”
Even outside of the holidays, though, Little Italy still has a bit more breathing room than much of downtown San Diego. For example, take a look at the neighborhood’s pedestrian-friendly piazzas, the ideal starting point for a Little Italy visit. The sprawling Piazza della Famiglia, the Piazza Basilone, the Piazza Pescatore—any will do. “We have several throughout the neighborhood that honor different categories of Italian heritage and culture, like the Piazza della Famiglia, which honors the families of the past, present, and future,” says Gomez. “The piazzas are one key thing for people to come and enjoy. Grab a gelato, a cappuccino, or a glass of wine and enjoy the beautiful weather that San Diego has to offer.”
Speaking of, you’re probably already wondering about the food and drink scene here. Little Italy naturally boasts an impressive selection of different Italian eateries, from Mona Lisa Italian Foods, which once served the local tuna fishers, to the equally venerable institution Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, opened in 1950. “Filippi’s has really cheesy pizza that’s super delicious; they have Chianti bottles that hang from the ceiling and beautiful gingham tablecloths that give you that old Italian restaurant vibe,” says Gomez. “And if you’re out on a date night, Bencotto and Monello, which are sister restaurants, are really great experiences. The original owners were from Milan and opened those restaurants in the spirit of the cuisine.”
While you can’t go to Little Italy without eating at least some Italian food, you’ll also find a surprisingly diverse array of other culinary options on hand. “When people come here, their expectation is that it’s going to be all Italian food,” Gomez says. “But there’s a great opportunity to come out of your hotel room and experience Italian culture, and also a cheeseburger or noodles and buns.”
Of course, though, Little Italy is much more than a place to grab a great meal. You can also learn about firefighting history at the San Diego Firehouse Museum and take some time to admire—respectfully, of course—the community’s historic chapel, which is still in operation today. “Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church has nationally renowned murals that honor the history and community,” says Gomez. “They’re very reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel.”
In terms of stays, meanwhile, Little Italy benefits from its proximity to Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter, which is to say that you’ll have no shortage of choices for accommodations. Upscale boutiques like Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown and La Pensione Hotel have thoughtful amenities and unbeatable locations. Both are a short walk away from Waterfront Park, Little Italy’s go-to spot to enjoy ocean views and a reminder that, after all, you are still in San Diego.
Dining and Cooking